How Accessibility Has Improved in Modern Game Remasters

13 December 2025

If you've been gaming for a while, you've probably noticed that the classics are making a comeback—but better than ever. It's not just about the graphics getting a shiny new polish or smoother frame rates. Nope, something even more important is happening behind the scenes: accessibility is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

Modern game remasters are making it easier for everyone to play. That includes gamers with disabilities who might’ve been left out of the fun back in the day. So, what’s changed? What are developers doing differently now? And why does it matter more than ever? Grab your controller (or keyboard) and let’s dig in.

What Does "Accessibility" in Games Even Mean?

First things first—let’s clear up what we’re talking about when we mention “accessibility” in gaming.

Accessibility in video games is about designing games so that as many people as possible can play and enjoy them. This includes players who are blind, deaf, have limited mobility, cognitive disabilities, or even temporary injuries.

It's not about making games easy. It's about giving options.

Think of it like adding a wheelchair ramp to a building. You're not changing the building itself, you're just making sure more people can get inside. Same goes for games—remasters are giving more players the tools to enjoy classic titles without barriers.

Why Game Remasters Are the Perfect Place for Accessibility Upgrades

Remasters offer a golden opportunity to fix what was missing in older games. When studios revisit a beloved title from 10, 15, even 20 years ago, they’re not just updating how the game looks—they’re rethinking how it feels to play.

Here’s why remasters are ideal for accessibility upgrades:

- They already have a strong foundation. Developers aren't starting from scratch. This gives them more room to focus on enhancements rather than core development.
- They know the audience. These games already have a fanbase. Including accessibility options means welcoming a new wave of players into that community.
- Technology has changed. Tools and platforms offer easier ways to add features like subtitles, remappable controls, and screen readers.

It’s like getting a vintage car and adding power steering, GPS, and a hybrid engine—it’s still the same ride, just way more user-friendly.

Key Accessibility Features Added In Modern Remasters

Let’s break down some of the accessibility features that are becoming more common in remasters:

1. Customizable Controls

This one’s a game-changer. Back in the day, games had rigid control schemes. If you couldn’t use them, too bad.

Now? Most remasters allow full button remapping. It's a small tweak with a massive impact.

Why it matters:
- Players with limited mobility can adapt controls to their setup
- It accommodates a wide range of devices and input methods
- Even players with repetitive strain injuries benefit

2. Subtitles and Captioning

Sounds simple, right? But older games often had zero subtitle support—or if they did, it was bare-bones.

In today’s remasters:
- Subtitles are often customizable (size, color, background)
- Captions often include sound cues (like "door creaks" or "monster growls")
- They're timed better with the dialogue

This isn’t just for deaf or hard-of-hearing players. Lots of gamers play with the sound down or with background noise. Subtitles help everyone follow the action.

3. Colorblind Modes and Visual Filters

Colorblindness affects roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women. That’s a lot of potential players who struggled with games that used red-green or blue-yellow cues.

Now, remasters often include:
- Colorblind filter options (protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia)
- UI contrast sliders
- Customizable HUD elements

It's like finally turning the lights on in a room that was always kinda dim.

4. Text Scaling and UI Adjustments

Remember squinting at tiny text on your old CRT TV? Yeah… not fun.

Today’s remasters typically include:
- Scalable text and menus
- Adjustable HUD and interface elements
- Clean, readable fonts

This is crucial for players with visual impairments or those gaming on smaller screens (looking at you, Steam Deck users).

5. Difficulty Options and Assist Modes

This one gets people fired up—but let’s be real: difficulty isn’t just about bragging rights.

Many remasters include:
- Multiple difficulty levels
- Assist modes (slow motion, auto-aim, puzzle skips)
- Save-anywhere options

These settings let players tailor the experience to their needs without compromising the game’s soul. Remember, being inclusive doesn’t water down greatness—it widens the audience.

6. Audio Options and Visual Cues

Accessibility isn't all about visuals—sound is a huge piece of the puzzle.

Modern remasters often feature:
- Visual indicators for key sounds
- Mono audio options for single-ear headphones
- Volume sliders for each type of sound (dialogue, music, effects)

Some even offer vibration cues or haptic feedback for deaf gamers to “feel” the action.

Examples of Remasters That Got Accessibility Right

Alright, let’s spotlight some remasters that really nailed it in the accessibility department:

🔹 The Last of Us Part I (Remake of the Original)

Okay, technically a remake, but it deserves a shoutout. It’s jam-packed with accessibility features: over 60 of them!

- Text-to-speech menus
- High contrast mode for visually impaired
- Navigation assistance
- Combat accessibility settings

Naughty Dog raised the bar, no question.

🔹 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

This colorful classic got a major update. The developers added:
- Subtitles (which the original lacked entirely!)
- Larger text sizes
- Colorblind accessibility improvements
- Improved camera controls

It stayed true to its nostalgic roots while opening the gates to more players.

🔹 Final Fantasy VII Remake

Again, more of a reimagining than a remaster—but check this out:
- Multiple difficulty levels, including “Classic” mode
- Customizable UI scaling
- Subtitles and voice language options
- Automatable combat for reduced dexterity demands

Accessibility + stunning visuals? Yes, please.

Why Accessibility Isn’t Just a “Nice to Have” Anymore

Let’s be honest; for a long time, accessibility in games was an afterthought—if it was thought of at all.

But times have (finally) changed. Gamers have spoken up, and the industry is listening. Game studios are realizing that accessibility isn’t just ethical—it’s good business.

More accessible games =
- A bigger audience
- Better reviews from diverse players
- Longer player engagement

And fundamentally? It’s the right thing to do. Everyone deserves a chance to escape into their favorite worlds, face dragons, solve mysteries, or just chill on Stardew Valley farms.

The Challenges Developers Still Face

It’s not all sunshine and lootboxes, though. Adding accessibility features—especially to older codebases—is tough.

Some roadblocks include:
- Outdated engines: Old games weren’t designed with these features in mind, so retrofitting can be messy.
- Budget constraints: Accessibility takes time, testing, and resources.
- Lack of awareness: Some devs simply don't know what features to include or how to implement them.

But each remaster that pushes forward sets a new standard. And with growing support from the gaming community, change is happening.

How You Can Support Accessibility in Games

You don’t need to be a dev to champion accessibility. Here’s how you can help:

- Buy games that prioritize inclusion – reward progressive studios
- Talk about it – on forums, social media, YouTube, wherever
- Leave constructive feedback – especially if you see features missing
- Boost disabled content creators – they offer incredible insight

Remember, accessibility benefits everyone. Whether it's a permanent disability or a broken thumb, inclusive design means more ways to play for all of us.

Looking Ahead: What We Hope to See Next

So, what's the next level?

Here’s our accessibility wishlist for future remasters:
- More AI-driven narration tools
- Voice control support
- Cross-platform accessibility settings
- Community-tested accessibility presets

Gamers are diverse. The future of remasters should reflect that.

Final Thoughts

Modern game remasters are doing more than just dialing up the resolution. They’re fixing the cracks in the foundation, making sure that everyone can walk through the front door.

It’s not about hand-holding or lowering the bar. It’s about removing the invisible obstacles that have existed for way too long.

So next time you boot up a beautifully remastered classic, take a moment to appreciate the menus, the subtitles, the customization. Because somewhere out there, that one tweak made the difference between someone enjoying a game and being left out of the adventure entirely.

Now that’s what you call leveling up.